Abstract

Portraits

Mother Nature, Father Time

Mother Nature, my favorite superhero. This is the first painting in the Mother Nature Series.

Defender of the earth. Humans are no match for her fury. She thinks she is the exception but Father Time waits for no one. It is a race. Will humans realize what they have to lose before irreparable damage is rendered.

On the Wing

I hope that the pretty colors and abstract image catch the veiwer's eye. Then I have an audience to enlighten about my concerns for the environment.

Is God Mad

My grandmother once asked me if I thought God was mad at us? The irregular and extreme weather patterns and onslaught of natural disaster caused her to wonder if we were being punished for our harsh treatment and blatant disregard for the earth. I said that I don’t know about God’s intent but I was pretty sure that Mother Nature was very pissed off.

So began a series of painting from Mother Nature’s point of view. I have tried to personify her, make her appear in the landscape, or emerge from a slice of cut tree. The gouged and scarred earth appear often in my paintings. In my quest for better understanding, I learned some scary facts about hydro-fracking. I believe this disturbs Mother the most.

I actually found an article in the local paper begging the same question so I incorporated the clipping in this work. It illustrated a warning that if we are not careful the mountains will slide into the sea. See nuclear winter, melting icebergs, deforestation, and contaminated groundwater caused by hydrofraking.

Don't Forget to Dance

This painting was created after rescuing someone from an abusive relationship. She said she would groove in her seat when her favorite song came on and he always told her not to dance. My best advice to anyone: Never put up with anyone who says don't.

Marriage Equality

My political views are so transparent.

Rules of the Road

Converse and Listen.

Civility

How Did We Get Here?

Painted on Inauguration Day 2017. It was more productive than grieving or saying WTF.

Lazy Language

In the course of three days, I actually heard these sentences spoken by intelligent and educated people. The one about Charleston was said by one and then echoed by another, a third joined in with a nod of agreement.

I feel so strongly that these words should not be misappropriated for any situation other than their original meaning. Each time speakers equate the words with different situations; the powerful meaning of the word is diminished, as is the gravity of the situation. We become anesthetized to the atrocity, including the fact that 3 of the 4 words are criminal.

I believe that words matter. A person may not be prejudice or misogynistic but lazy language portrays a different truth. Allowing another to use these words expresses compliance. It is uncomfortable to speak up especially when the talker may be in a position of authority. I believe that it is imperative that we lift our voices.

Because I heard these four words in less than a week, they became the painting, but also on my list: retarded or retard. This goes beyond word taboo or First Amendment Rights. We once used these as clinical diagnostic terms and whether or not the terms should be changed is one point. My point is that they should not be used as a slur. If you hear them, be brave and try to enlighten the speaker.

Don't Give up the Ship

Onward Ho

What About the Bees

Ode to Anne

Otto Frank petitioned for refuge to the American government many times. Rejected every time.

Shore Birds

If you live in the low country you need to paint a few shorebirds.

Landscapes

After so many long cold New England winters, I am delighted by the climate here in the low country. It compels me to record it as best as I am able. Still so mazed that I often exclaim: "I live here!"